Over the past couple of weeks we’ve had the pleasure to drop in on teacher networks. The buzz in the room when we talk about the Great Science Share for Schools 2023 campaign feels like a sparkler coming to light on Bonfire night. The Leeds Science Subject Leader Network, hosted by Bryony Turford and the RAISE Scottish Teacher Network, hosted by Laura MacCafferty, were both perfect opportunities to address questions and generate ideas.

What was important to them?

It was apparent that the values of GSSfS spoke to both groups - the fact that the campaign is inclusive and non-competitive means that no child is going to be left out. This is something that we feel strongly about - that the campaign can be an opportunity for all children’s questions to be valued, and that no child goes away from a GSSfS experience feeling like they’ve lost or not done well enough.

“This really is about the taking part. We have seen over so many years that whichever stage a child or teacher is at, the taking part alone is an opportunity to improve. Simply being around peers and listening and observing science enquiry taking place with others provides stimulus and ideas. It also gives us the prime opportunity to communicate key messages about high-quality enquiry through the GSSfS webinars, and resources such as the GSSfS Skills Starters.”
— Dr Lynne Bianchi, Campaign Director

What were the teachers interested to know?

‘Does the date matter?’ No, the date doesn’t matter that much. Within the campaign we like to have a date to rally towards - so that we can all feel the sense of community as thousands of young people share science on the same day. This year it’s 13th June 2023! If this date feels problematic - then don’t let it be. Do your GSSfS activities when you wish. If it’s possible, share via Twitter on the 13th June - however even that’s not a rule. You can share any time, any where - tag @GreatSciShare #GSSfS2023 all year round when your pupils are sharing science questions and investigations with each other.

‘How big does a GSSfS event have to be? The answer here is as big or small as you wish it to be! Over the years, there have been shares that have involved a few children, e.g. a home-learning GSSfS that took place under a gazebo in a garden, for a few pupils and their parents. There’s also been enormous shares, like the GSSfS that took place on a 4G football pitch at the Etihad Football Stadium. The scale of your share really depends on you. For most, we know that this is a class, a Key Stage or a whole school - like the Bridlington Share. Most shares are done on the school site with pupils off timetable for this special opportunity to ask, investigate and share scientific questions.

If you are involved in a local science subject leader network and wish a member of the GSSfS team to pop in for a question-answer, then get in touch by emailing greatscishare@manchester.ac.uk.

We’ll do our best to accommodate using a virtual connection!